The Nostoc-Gunnera Magellanica Symbiosis: Developmental Patterns Related to Nitrogen Fixation

Abstract

Several parameters in the development of the nitrogen-fixing Nostoc-Gunnera magellanica symbiosis were studied. All parameters studied showed a developmental profile from young towards older symbiotic tissues, with the highest activities and most functional symbiosis located in relatively young parts of the plant. After leaf shedding of the plant the symbiotic cells showed signs of degeneration, and nitrogenase activity declined gradually to zero.